Cloudy fishwater??

[sushi*roll]

My friend has a fish tank with some smaller goldfish. She had it set up for about a week before adding them. but about 2 weeks after having it set up the water started to become really murkey, it's now about a month set up and still the water is murkey even 2 days after you clean the tank. What is it? and how can she get it fixed?

 

[OrangeCones]

What size tank does this friend have the goldfish in? What are the readings of ammonia, nitrite and nitrate?

If it was 'set-up' for a week, it doesn't sound like it was cycled.

 

[BristlenosePleco]

I know Goldfish can get cloudy eyes, but can be easly fixed with meds or a few big water changes in a week.

 

[littletankbigworld]

Chemicals not the best thing for cloudy water. Cloudy water is a sign of overstocking or an uncycled tank. Both of these issues need to be resolved and cannot be fixed with chemicals. You need at least 40 gallons of water and a massive filter for two goldfish.

 

[Newman]

thats what I'm talking about. two goldies in a 40 gallon with a good filter is a perfect setup

 

[BristlenosePleco]

Chemicals not the best thing for cloudy water. Cloudy water is a sign of overstocking or an uncycled tank. Both of these issues need to be resolved and cannot be fixed with chemicals. You need at least 40 gallons of water and a massive filter for two goldfish.

Granted not for cloudy water, but cloudy eyes. I just assumed they were one in the same.

 

[sushi*roll]

ya I'm sure it must be over stocking, but I don't know how to tell her without making her upset..."hey um just so you know you'll need to give your fish back or buy an insanly expensive tank for these 2$ goldfish" lol

 

[littletankbigworld]

If she's your friend, you should be able to tell her without hurting her feelings. Tell her about proper fish keeping and teach her about it. She can take the fish back and get smaller fish, and learn how to cycle the tank.

 

[actiondave13]

agreed..it's overstocked....the cloudiness is probaly the bacterial bloom starting....my first tank was the same way....daily water changes of about 10% will help and in about a week the water should be clear

 

[achase]

I agree if she is your friend and if you explain to her the facts, it shouldn't be to hard to break it to her. You could provide her with other suggestions of fish...there are some lovely fish that are quite inexpensive. Do you know the size of her tank??

It's true that 50 gallon tanks can be quite costly....but if she is really interested in keeping the two goldfish she might be able to find a reasonably priced used tank (locally, ebay or craig's list).

 

[littletankbigworld]

Just tell her that you had similar mistakes as a beginner and tell her not to worry because it happens to almost everyone. Craigslist is an awesome place for used fish tanks, just make sure you go and personally look at the tank before buying it. I've bought some awful-looking tanks before that I was unable to look at before they were delivered.

 

[achase]

I know I made the goldfish mistake and the non-cycling mistake....live and learn!
Oh ya, definitely go check out the tank and maybe even get them to fill it with a bit of water to make sure there are no leaks!!